Hayato Suzuki: From the treatment table to the top of the strawweight table

Hayato Suzuki: From the treatment table to the top of the strawweight table
Hayato Suzuki: From the treatment table to the top of the strawweight table
PHOTO: Hayato Suzuki: From the treatment table to the top of the strawweight table

After a string of significant injuries, Japan’s Hayato Suzuki is well and truly on the comeback trail.

The 31-year-old suffered a neck hernia back in October 2015, then in June 2016, a dislocated shoulder. Both saw him spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines, working hard to rehabilitate his injuries and come back stronger.

“My priority was to recover as soon as possible,” he explained. “But I continued training [in a way] that would not affect my injury.

“I could not use my body during the injury period, but I used the time to observe other martial artists and my own techniques, so I was able to think positively. Sometimes, I was stressed from not being able to move around, though.”

The injuries put on hold Suzuki’s plans to travel the world competing in martial arts tournaments and promotions.

“My goal was to compete overseas,” he admits. “And just when I finally got the opportunity, and when it was the most important time of my career, I got injured, and it was a big one. So I was worried that my chance to debut overseas was going to just slip away.”

However, good things were just around the corner for Suzuki. He was signed by ONE Championship earlier this year, instantly becoming one of the leading contenders in the strawweight division with an enviable undefeated record of 17 wins and two draws.

He showcased his considerable skillset - and unbeaten record - in August when he faced Joshua Pacio on his ONE Championship debut. Despite his superb form and the experience that comes with 19 bouts, Suzuki admitted the sheer scale of the event gave him butterflies in his stomach.

“I was extremely nervous,” he admitted. “ONE’s atmosphere was just like the biggest events in Japan, and I loved it.”

Despite the nerves, Suzuki claimed victory in just over three minutes via rear-naked choke submission, and was hugely proud to have picked up his first victory under the ONE Championship banner. There was an element of relief, too, as it marked his true return to action after an injury-hit two years.

“Finally, it was my turn to shine,” he said. “Joshua’s kicks were faster than I expected, but I was able to show my strength and win.”

The win gave the ONE Championship fans just a glimpse of his capabilities, and now he’s planning on showcasing more of his skills when he takes on Alex “Little Rock” Silva at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD in Manila, Philippines, on 10 November.

It’s a test that he’s looking forward to, though he has a healthy respect for his opponent’s skills. All five of Silva’s wins coming by way of submission.

“His submission techniques are phenomenal,” he said. “I do not see any weaknesses.”

Although he concedes his opponent’s skills on the ground, Suzuki says he’s ready to extend his undefeated record, claim a stoppage victory, and call for a shot at the ONE Strawweight World Title, currently held by fellow countryman Yoshitaka Naito.

“I will be very active, and I am going to aim for a knockout or a submission, nothing else. Winning is the minimum result,” he stated.

“Once I win this bout, everyone will understand that I am qualified for a title shot. I want a title shot, period.”

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